1. Intra-Oral Mirrors
2. Occlusal Photo Retractor
An occlusal photo retractor serves to retract the lips for the important mandibular and maxillary shots. Often these retractors will be double sided to fit adults on one side, and children on the other.
3. Lateral Cheek Retractors
This type of retractor allows for good visual access for lateral shots taken without a mirror. You can have the patient hold the retractors in place while you take the photo.
4. Impression Trays
You will want to purchase a complete set of impression trays so that you can take both upper and lower impressions on adults and children of all different sizes. Be sure to also purchase the appropriate type of impression material that works with the trays you choose.
5. Tray Adhesive
Tray adhesive should be used for added retention of the alginate in the tray.
6. Digital Camera
To take the proper 3 extra-oral photos and 5 intra-oral photos for your orthodontic records, invest in a digital camera. There are several good cameras that take clear, clinical pictures that are under $500. But please, use a camera and not your phone to take your clinical records. To learn how to take excellent orthodontic photos, watch this video.
7. Orthodontic diagnostic software or form worksheets
To perform a thorough diagnosis and treatment planning, you should either use an orthodontic diagnostic software like SmileStream or paper form. While paper forms are cheaper, many doctors like cloud based diagnostic software to make automatic analysis functions or easy sharing possible. Either option helps to organize your diagnosis properly to ensure notation of problems and clinical impressions seen prior to treatment.
Treatment forms organize your diagnosis and assures notation of problems and clinical impressions seen prior to treatment.
8. Patient Education Materials
Whether you decide to give your patients a brochure or direct them to a website, it's important to set patient expectations so they understand the committment and responsibility of orthodontic treatment.
Most of the orthodontic supplies listed here can be purchased easily online from the SmileStream store. Once you have all the materials in your office, you are ready to start your first case!
